[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 177 (Thursday, November 15, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2428]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         PAYING TRIBUTE TO A PIONEER, THE LATE REP. GUS HAWKINS

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                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 15, 2007

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in reverence of the 100 years 
Augustus Freeman ``Gus'' Hawkins, the former representative from Los 
Angeles, fought on this Earth for the causes of justice and equality. 
Prior to his passing, he had been the oldest former member of Congress, 
and the longevity of his legacy will easily match the longevity of his 
years.
  He was the first African American elected to the House from 
California--and, indeed, from the entire western United States--as well 
as a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus. He was 
instrumental in the passage of the watershed Civil Rights Act of 1964, 
sponsoring its equal employment section setting up the Equal Employment 
Opportunity Commission.
  We honor him for the strides our community, and our country, took 
under his stewardship, and for his impeccable sense of purpose that 
inspires us today.

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